Evidence of a Decrease in Heart Rate and Skin Conductance Responses in PTSD Patients After a Single EMDR Session

The aim of the present study was to determine if psychophysiological responses to stress decreased after a single EMDR session.

Article Abstract

“Patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) demonstrate abnormal psychophysiological responses to stressful events. Given that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy appears to be a treatment of choice for trauma victims, the aim of the present study was to determine if psychophysiological responses to stress decreased after a single EMDR session. Six PTSD patients were treated by an EMDR therapist. Their psychophysiological responses (heart rate and skin conductance) were recorded before and after the EMDR session under two conditions: (a) in a relaxed state and (b) while visualizing their own traumatic event. At the end of the session, all patients had a significant reduction in their PTSD symptoms, which confirms previous results demonstrating the efficacy of the EMDR approach. Second, after only one EMDR session, heart rate and skin conductance during the trauma recall decreased significantly as compared to a relaxing state.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Aubert-Khalfa, S., Roques, J., & Blin, O. (2008). Evidence of a Decrease in Heart Rate and Skin Conductance Responses in PTSD Patients After a Single EMDR Session. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 2(1), 51–56. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.2.1.51

About the Journal

Journal of EMDR Practice and Research (JEMDR) is a peer-reviewed publication devoted to integrative, state-of-the-art papers about EMDR therapy. It is a broadly conceived interdisciplinary journal that stimulates and communicates research and theory about EMDR therapy and its application to clinical practice. JEMDR is the official publication of the EMDR International Association.